Lupe

I had 3 procedures done when I got my band. My surgeon usually sends people home later in the day rather then have them stay overnight but I had to stay because of my circumstance. it really depends on how you are doing, your surgeon's recommendations and what your insurance will allow.

This isnt easy, its frustrating, its hard and you are bound to make mistakes. I cried two weeks after my surgery everyday for a week and every once in a while I wish I didnt undergo this surgery. This is life changing and it takes time to make life changes. You chose to have this surgery done that was the first step now you have to work hard to achieve your weight loss goal. Dont give up, because everyday is a new day to try again. It will get easier once you train yourself to follow the program outlined by your doctor. Bottom line is you cannot give up! Remember the reasons why you had this surgery in the first place.

I was banded Oct 7 ( I think), 2009 and have lost 24 pounds so far. Absolutely no restriction and I can eat whatever I want and can eat almost as much as I want to. Having a hard time with cravings, and comfort eating but I am trying. Exercise is so-so, there are days when I just want to relax after work. But I am trying. My second fill is on Wednesday, and I am hoping for some restriction but I am also a little scared. I dont want to be too tight and family is coming to visit on Thursday! They havent been here for a year and I dont want to feel like an exhibit in a museum.

This happens to everyone, part of what causes it ... the drugs we get in the hospital and the lack of fiber in your diet. I take Colace and Benefiber. You have to try different laxatives and find the one that works for you, just remember the pill has to be small. Also you should ask your doctor for a recommendation.

What GI disease do you have?

I called my surgeon last week about the same pain and they said two things, gas and constipation. They recommended some things and I feel better. Nothing beats calling your surgeon, thats what they get paid for.

My Doctor said I could take one month...so I did. It was helpful because I could focus on healing and trying to establish good habits. I am back at work and it was hard to transition but the month off really helped me prepare. Take as much time as you can and you want.

I was fortunate enough to be able to take a month off from work due to my surgery (they didnt just put in a lap band I had other things done too). It was great to be home while getting use to the food restrictions. Now its back to work and I am scared. My job is stressful, there are three places I work out of and I had food habits at each of them that must be broken. I am worried that I wont make the right food choices. I am worried that I people I work with will want to go out to eat. I am worried that I will get bored with my food selection. I am worried that I will slime (which hasnt happened yet and sounds gross) in front of a 20 people during important conferences. I am worried that people will judge me if they find out or if they see me eating the way I have to eat. Bottom line, I am just worried.

Its Halloween and I have a big bucket of candy sitting by the front door. It has some of my favorite treats, Jolly Ranchers, Kitkats, Reese Cups, Mike & Ikes to name a few. I am sitting here drinking my Water minding my own business and that darn candy keeps calling to me. "Come eat us, Come eat us":scared2: Its a halloween horror story.:Yawn: Its raining outside and no one has come to get this candy. I will be strong, I will resist, I will force feed the left over candy to everyone in my household if its not gone by tonight!!:laugh: What are you going to do?

Some surgeons say no salad until after your first fill because salad is hard to digest while your stomach is still healing.

I believe my port is above my belly button and just a tiny bit to the right. I didnt get a card or anything? What is the card for? I have the Realize band does that matter?

Abby Once I got my surgery date I started to say goodbye to all the food I love. I forgot about candy. I am in bandster hell, eagerly waiting for my first fill. I have to admit I did have a bit of a Reeses (hey its soft) and I had a jolly rancher but got rid of it before it got to small. Next big challenge is Thanksgiving!

I slept on my back for 4 days then I slept on my stomach with a pillow between me and the bed. The only reason you cannot sleep on your stomach is because of the pain. Goodluck!!!:Yawn:

I told everyone except close family and friends that I was having my hiatal hernia repaired. Who you tell and when you tell is a very personal decision. GOOD LUCK!

I felt the same thing and it is probably one of the worst parts of the surgery. Walking helps, medication helps too, and this may sound weird but when you can stick your backside up in the air. Gas travels up! So it travels up intp your shoulder area. Once you start passing it, you will feel better. Stand next to your bed and lay down face first without letting your stomach touch the bed. Make sure your shoulders are lower then your backside and stay like that for a while (as long as you can). It sounds silly but it worked it works.

I was told the surgery itself (Anesthesia) can cause cramps and an early period. I have been having the same pain

I had my surgery 3 weeks ago and I am hungry. I am trying to follow the recommendations for my meals but it doesnt fill me. What snacks can I work into my routine? Is it unusual to be hungry? Is it unusual to have cravings? I really want a peanutbutter and jelly sandwich.

Nancy, It took me 6 months to be approved for my surgery and I had my hernia repaired and a cyst removed at the same time that they put my band in. Everytime I went to a seminar or to see my doctor before the surgery I felt overwhelmed. I was panic stricken and would give myself stomach aches over everything. They give you so much information each time you meet with them that it is hard to process. Take notes and when your alone and have time to really review the information uninterrupted, go over the papers they gave you and the notes you took. You decide when the time is right to have the surgery, so schedule yours when your comfortable. There is no rush. You dont have to learn everything right away, you just have to know enough to decided if the surgery is right for you and the basics in terms of what to expect after you have the surgery. I am still learning things about my band and I suspect will continue to learn new things for the next year. I had my gallbladder removed two years ago and that surgery is similar except for the food restrictions. Good Luck!!!